Hull KR learn result of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves disciplinary appeal

Hull KR have learned the fate of their appeal against the ban handed down to prop forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Waerea-Hargreaves arrived in England with a reputation for toeing the disciplinary line and ultimately it’s proven true with the Kiwi on the end of three charges prior to this most recent one, with that trio of charges resulting in him being banned for four matches across the year.

This fourth and most recent charge was perhaps the most controversial with the Hull KR forward handed a Grade C charge for ‘head contact’ for his first-half tackle on Jon Bennison.

The St Helens winger subsequently failed his HIA which meant that a further three penalty points were added to the initial five, actually landing the Kiwi forward a three-match ban, despite the fact just one game remained in his career.

Understandably, Hull KR opted to fight the charge with there being nothing to lose as the punishment of additional points for failed appeals not concerning a man who is set to retire anyway.

Hull KR win Jared Waerea-Hargreaves appeal with Kiwi free to play in Grand Final

The Operational Rules Tribunal have now heard the case of Hull KR and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and ruled in Hull KR’s favour with the charge not only downgraded, but completely overturned.

Hull KR needed to completely overturn the charge in order for the forward to be available for the Grand Final so tonight’s verdict is a huge win for the Robins.

It means he has one last game in his prestigious career with one of the greatest props in modern history set to try and add a Super League crown to his list of accolades.

A statement from the RFL confirmed: “Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of Hull KR has successfully challenged a Grade C charge of Head Contact arising from Saturday’s Betfred Super League Semi Final against St Helens, which would have led to a three-match suspension.

“The RFL’s independent Operational Rules Tribunal upheld the player’s not guilty plea.

“He is therefore free to play in Saturday’s Grand Final.”

News of the charge handed to Waerea-Hargreaves didn’t go down too well Down Under with leading voice Buzz Rothfield arguing that the RFL ‘should be ashamed’ for handing down such a charge.

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